New Fiat automobiles will begin to arrive next week in Chattanooga, as the city becomes home to one of the first Fiat dealers in the United States after a 20-year absence.

Crown Fiat on Chapman Road will open within a month, according to the Crown Automotive Group, which already owns the nearby Crown Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep Ram.

According to the dealership, "Crown Automotive will be among the first in the nation to sell the 2012 Fiat 500, and offer parts and service."

The addition of new autos from Italian automaker Fiat, which owns a majority stake in Chrysler, could also lead to the introduction in Chattanooga of the Italian luxury brand Alfa Romeo in 2013, officials say.

Spokeswoman Amanda Tossberg said that Crown is currently adding employees to specialize in Fiat, and will add more as the brand grows with the addition of the Alfa Romeo.

Crown will also begin construction of a new Fiat-centric facility on the property, which should be completed by 2013, Tossberg said.

Crown Chrysler's current general manager, Tim Roussell, will also serve as general manager for the new Fiat dealership.